Historical tour of fort Jesus
Historical tour of Fort Jesus is an amazing activity that every history lover and adventurer shouldn’t miss it out while in Mombasa. Fort Jesus is a historical fort located on Mombasa Island in Kenya. The fort was built by the Portuguese between 1593 – 1596 covering an area of 2.36 hectares, Fort Jesus was designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati by the order of king Felipe ii of Spain. It was constructed to guard the Old Port of Mombasa and protect Portuguese interests in the Indian Ocean trade.
Fort Jesus is designed in the shape of a man when viewed from above, reflecting Renaissance architectural principles. It features five bastions and is considered a masterpiece of late Renaissance military fortification.
Over its history, Fort Jesus has changed hands multiple times, being captured and recaptured by various powers, including the Sultan of Mombasa, the Omani Arabs, and the British. Each occupier left its mark on the fort, contributing to its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
In 2011, Fort Jesus was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognizing its historical and cultural significance. It is one of the most well-preserved examples of Portuguese military architecture in East Africa.
Fort Jesus bears witness to the interchange of cultural values and influences between African, Arab, Persian, Turkish, and European cultures. Its history reflects the broader story of global trade and cultural exchange during the 16th century.
Today, Fort Jesus is a national monument and museum, offering visitors a chance to explore its history and learn about the various cultures that have influenced it.
Why was it named Fort Jesus
Following the historical tour of Fort Jesus, this place was named after Jesus Christ by the Portuguese builders. They chose this name because they were on a mission to spread Christianity and saw the fort as a symbol of their faith and protection. They named it Fort Jesus because they wanted to honor Jesus Christ, who is a central figure in their religion.
Historical tour of Fort Jesus and its main use
Basing on the historical tour of Fort Jesus, its main purpose was to protect the port of Mombasa. The Portuguese built it to defend their trade routes and keep the area safe from attackers. The fort served as a military base and a place to store goods from their ships.
Today, Fort Jesus is a national monument and museum in Mombasa, Kenya. Visitors can explore its rich history, see artifacts, and learn about the different cultures that influenced it over the centuries. The fort hosts exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events, making it a vibrant historical site.
Besides Fort Jesus, one can have time to explore wildlife and the culture of the Kenyans such visiting Tsavo National Park, Amboseli National Park, Mt. Kenya National Park among others or reach out and witness the Maasai culture. It’s a great place to visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. Book your trip with Beyond sight safaris where every trip is a story.
